What Causes Molluscum?
The molluscum virus causes the rash after it enters a small break in the skin. Bumps usually appear 2–6 weeks after that. The molluscum virus spreads easily from skin touching skin that has bumps. Kids also can get it by touching things that have the virus on them, such as toys, clothing, towels, and bedding. Sexually active teens and adults with b
Who Gets Molluscum?
Molluscum most often happens in healthy kids between 1 and 12 years old. But it also happens in: 1. athletes who have close contact, such as wrestlers, or athletes who share equipment, such as gymnasts 2. people with health problems treated with long-term steroid medicine use
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How Is Molluscum Diagnosed?
Doctors can usually tell a rash is molluscum by looking at it. Sometimes they might suggest that kids see a dermatologist (skin doctor), but most kids won't need this.
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Can Molluscum Be Prevented?
Kids with molluscum can still go to daycare, school, and sports. To prevent the spread of molluscum to other places on their body and to other people, they should: 1. Wash their handswell and often with soap and water. 2. Cover the bumps with clothing or a bandage. 3. Cover the bumps with a watertight bandage before swimming or doing activities wit
How Is Molluscum Treated?
Most of the time, molluscum clears up on its own without treatment. Each bump goes away in about 2–3 months. New bumps can appear as old ones go away, so it can take 6-12 months (and sometimes longer) for molluscum to fully go away. Sometimes, doctors remove the bumps or help them go away more quickly. To do this, they can: 1. Freeze the bumps off
How Can Parents Help?
To avoid molluscum and other skin infections, have your kids follow these tips: 1. Wash hands well and often with soap and water. 2. Do not share towels or clothing. 3. Do not share kickboards and other water toys. 4. Do not touch or scratch bumps or blisters on their skin or other people's skin. Talk with your child's doctor about the pros and con